Grab a Set of Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheets

If your students have mastered the art of subtracting fractions with like denominators, it’s time to progress them in their fractions journey by teaching them how to subtract fractions with unlike denominators. Unlike denominators are tricky, as fractions cannot be subtracted unless a common denominator is found! Thankfully, there are a variety of strategies your students can use when solving these types of equations.

To help your students learn and practice these strategies, the Teach Starter team has created this pack of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets. The worksheets include instructional pages designed to teach each strategy, as well as practice questions for students.

This comprehensive pack of worksheets covers the following key strategies:

1. Standard Algorithm
2. Number Lines
3. Fraction Strips

Answers are also included in the download.

Choose the worksheet that aligns with your current strategy focus or use the pack as a revision activity once all strategies have been covered in class.

This worksheet pack downloads as a printable PDF or an editable Google Slides file.

A Range of Strategies for Subtracting Unlike Fractions

This set of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheets teaches students to use a variety of visual and written strategies when performing operations with fractions. This has great advantages for students!

Students have different strengths and preferences when it comes to problem-solving strategies. Students who are predominantly visual learners may excel with visual representations like pictorial models. Others may prefer abstract methods like the standard algorithm. By teaching students that there are multiple strategies that can be used to solve fraction equations, students can explore these methods and select those that most resonate with them.

Download These Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheets

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides version to your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this resource contains answer sheets, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file. Then, remove the answer sheets and make photocopies of the worksheets as required.

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This resource was created by Michael Bailey, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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Looking for More Subtracting Fractions Resources?

If you’re looking for more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to use when teaching subtraction of fractions with like and unlike denominators, you’ve come to the right place! Click below to explore our wide range of worksheets, activities and games to use in your classroom today!